Amy Fentiman, Sunshine League Member From Subiaco...(1908).

Amy Fentiman, Sunshine League Member From Subiaco...(1908). 

The Sunshine League and the children who were members are one of the most interesting aspects of research and writing a blog and have been the subject of previous blog posts. 

The children's letters published in the Daily News newspaper provide a wonderful insight into the daily lives of children and their contribution to the community, not only in Subiaco but also around Perth at the beginning of the 1900's. 

Many of the Sunshine League children lived in Subiaco and have been discussed in previous blog posts.  Amy Fentiman was a member of the Sunshine League who lived in Subiaco. In 1907 she was 13 years old. For most of her life Amy was sick and she spent considerable time in hospital although the exact nature of her illness was never discussed in the newspaper. 

Uncle Tom the co-ordinator of the Sunshine League explained the function in the Children's Pages in 1909..."The Sunshine League is steadily increasing in membership and by 1909 there were approximately 1500 members... 

The Sunshine League is absolutely undenominational. It embraces all creeds and nationalities, and no matter from what source the cry for charitable help comes the children respond to the best of their ability. It costs nothing to join; there are no membership fees to pay, and all money subscribed by the members is devoted to charity. The members have Sunshine Garden Patches, and they gather blooms and pay bright Sunshine visits and give Sunshine concerts to the inmates of the various institutions. Children wishing to become his 'nieces' and 'nephews' should address their letters 'Uncle Tom,' 'The Daily News' office, Perth (Daily News, 23 January, 1909). 

The Fentiman Chart 312 states the Fentiman family came from England (terrys.org.uk/chart/f/fenti312.htm). Arthur William Fentiman was born on 30 August, 1860. Arthur's occupation was a tailor. He married Sarah Elizabeth Amy Garrod on 19 June 1880. Sara was born on 19 June 1880. Her occupation was listed as home duties. Together they had eight children, Sydney (1882), William (1883), Cyril (1885), Harold (1887), Daisy (1889), Gladys (1891), Amy (1894), Grace (1887). 

At some stage the Fentiman family migrated to Australia. By 1907 the family had settled in Perth (Daily News, 1907) and by 1911 resided in Perth Street, Subiaco as there is a Mrs. A. W. Fentiman registered in the WA Post Office Directories. Auntie Nell who took over the Children's Pages stated that Amy's address was 280 Perth Street, Subiaco for those interested in writing to her. During 1912 the family went to the eastern states and then came back to Perth where they obtained a house in Perth Street, Subiaco. They remained at the residence until Sara Fentiman's death in 1925 (WA Postal Directories).

As a member of the Sunshine League Amy organised and participated in many events to help raise money for the various causes supported by the Sunshine League and her family donated money. For most of her early life Amy Fentiman was sick although the specific nature of her illness was never published in the newspaper. 

In 1907 Amy was a resident at Lady Lawley Cottage-by-the-Sea. Uncle Tom mentions Amy Fentiman in an article about his visit to organise a fund raising event. Lady Lawley Cottage-by-the-Sea was established in Cottesloe in 1903 to provide "respite and convalescent care for sick and recovering children, and care for children with disabilities. These children were placed in the Cottage by both their families and by welfare authorities..." (Find and Connect webpage). 

Uncle Tom wrote about his visit... "AT THE HOME. Last Friday evening I paid a surprise visit to the Lady Lawley Cottage-by-the-Sea in order to make preliminary arrangements for opening the 'Sunshine Cot'. There were only two patients - Reggie Miller and Amy Fentiman - and I left both of them a large book and some chocolates. I had intended putting the presents under their pillows but as they were both wide awake I left them with the matron who, as you will see from the letters which Reggie and Amy sent me during the week, carried out my directions. I am more than ever satisfied after my latest visit that you are doing the right thing in helping me to raise £30 for a Cot at the Home. There are parents who cannot afford to pay even the small amount weekly charged by the committee , and our Cot will be a great boon to the many poor children who will occupy it throughout the year..." (Daily News, 26 October 1907).

In December 1907 Amy wrote to Uncle Tom about the opening of the Sunshine Cot at the Lady Lawley's Cottage-by-the-Sea and to thank him for the gifts... "c/o Lady Lawley's Cottage-by-the-Sea, Cottesloe Beach. Dear Uncle Tom, You asked me if I would be down here on the day of the opening. Well, uncle I am very glad to say that I will. We had grand times on Saturday and Sunday. Some new sunshine-makers came from Fremantle; they had not been before, but they were very nice indeed. Dear uncle, I always try to do the best I can to welcome the Sunshine-makers when they come, and I always make a good friend. I have a nice little friend now; her name is Jessie, she and I am very fond of her, and I think she is of me. I will close now, with fond lover to you. - I remain your loving niece AMY FENTIMAN, aged 13. P.S Dear uncle, I thank you very much for that nice packet of chocolate and so also does the little boy who has not been in the Cottage. A.F..." (Daily News, 7 December 1907).

In 1908 Amy became seriously ill and was confined to St. Omer Hospital in West Perth. Uncle Tom encouraged the Sunshine League members to visit Amy in hospital. Uncle Tom shared the news of Amy's illness in his column to the Sunshine League in 1909...

"...I have heard a piece of very bad news during the week. Those of you who were present when the Sunshine Cot was unveiled at the Cottage-by-Sea will remember a little girl named Amy Fentiman singing (in character), a Japanese fan song. Latter on she helped to organise a bright little Sunshine Concert at the same institution, and in many ways she has proved herself a bright Sunshine-maker. But for the next 18 months to two years she must remain in bed, a serious surgical operation having just been performed on her. Here is a chance for those of you who desire to shed some rays of sunshine into dark places to do so. Amy is at St. Omer Hospital, Havelock-street West Perth (opposite the Observatory) and occasional visits will brighten her saddened life and help her to bear up under her heavy affliction. In the past she has done unto other as she would be done to and has thoroughly earned the kindly care and attention which you may bestow on her. I have arranged to visit her, and I shall be pleased to hear when any of you will do likewise..." (Daily News, 20 November 1909).

The children of Perth regularly asked about Amy over the years and their visits were reported via their letters to Uncle Tom and Aunty Nell who took over the column when Uncle Tom left the Daily News. 

Daphne Pyett from 57 York-street Subiaco wrote about her visits to Amy Fentiman in 1910... "Dear Uncle Tom. - I was please to read in "The Daily News" what a success you picnic was. I would like to have been able to help you, but baby was not well, and as mother did not like to take him out in the hear, I stayed home. I go and see Amy as much as I can, and take her a book every time. I hope you had a merry Christmas, and wish you a bright New Year. I think I must close my shore letter - I remain, you loving niece DAPHNE PYETT, aged 10. PS. Amy said she wrote a letter to you, and I hope you received in all right. - D.P.

Uncle Tom responded "Dear Daphne. -  You did quite right to stay at home with your mother and baby. It was oppressively hot at the Zoo, and the heat robbed our guests and others of a lot of pleasure. I am glad you visit Amy Fentiman at St. Omer Hospital, Havelock-street, West Perth, and I would like other nieces to do the same; it brightens the little girl to see the smiling face of a Sunshine-maker.- Uncle Tom." (Daily News, 8 Jan 1910). 

Daphne Pyett wrote to Auntie Nell about her visits to Amy when she took over the Children's Pages in 1910... "Dear Auntie Nell. - Thank you very much for the nice prize, which I received safely. I was pleased to see by the paper last Saturday that I had won another pize on "My Favourite Book." I have read nearly all the "Elsie Books" except "Elsie's Widowhood." My Sunshine work is going to see my little friend Amy Fentiman. I lent her my prize "The Little Russian." I remain, your loving piece. DAPHNE PYETT..." (Daily News, 6 August 1910). 

In 1910 Tottie Minchin wrote "Dear Auntie Nell, - I am sending you three shillings, which is the contents of my Orphans Christmas Cheer money box...Do you know if Amy Fentiman is still in St. Omer Hospital. I sent her her a postcard the other day...(Daily News, 10 September, 1910) Auntie Nell responded... "...Yes Amy Fentiman is still in the hospital - poor little girlie. I visited her on Sunday week, and found her very bright and happy. She has been lying on her back for nearly twelve months and will, I am afraid to be obliged to stay there for some time to come. She was asking about you...Yours lovingly Auntie Nell." (Daily News, 19 September 1910).

In April 1911 Tottie Minchin ("Pent Lyn" Balkuling, via York) asked Aunty Nell about Amy..." Dear Aunty Nell...Do you know how Amy Fentiman is getting on ? I suppose this changeable weather does no agree with her very well..." Aunty Nell responded..."...The last I heard of Amy she was improving. She is always very bright and cheerful, despite the fact she has been lying in bed for for 12 months..." (Daily News, 8 April 1910)

In August 1911 Tottie Minchin asked after Amy... "Dear Auntie Nell, - I was pleased to see that the Sunshine concert was so successful, although it was such a rainy evening...I am sending a little poem to you, which I think is pretty. I often find nice little pieces in magazines. I suppose you will soon commence collecting for the Orphans' Christmas Cheer now. I hope the nieces, will arrange a lot of bazaars, so that I may help by sending some thing for the fancy stall. I had such a nice letter from Amy Fentiman today, and she told me that she is allowed to be raised up a little every day for ten minutes; that would be so nice for her. I will close now with love from Douglas and myself. - Your affectionate niece, TOTTIE MINCHIN. 

Aunty Nell responded to Tottie... "Dear Tottie, — I thought you would enjoy Fred's account of the Sunshine concert given at Claremont...It was really a delightful concert, and the old men were loud in their praises and enthusiasm of the evening's entertainment The nephews' concert promises to be something specially fine, and quite original. I am so very glad to hear that Amy is now able to be raised a little. I do hope that in time she will be restored to health and strength once more. It is very good of you to want to help at the bazaars that may be arranged later on. I know your donations of pretty things will be gladly welcomed. With love to you all, dear, yours lovingly, Aunty Nell." (Daily News, 5 August, 1911).

In February 1912, Sunshine Member Pearl M'Gregor, aged 17 from Nungarin asked about Amy in her letter and where to write to her..."...Dear Aunty, do you know Amy Fentiman's address ? I hope she is quite well..." 

Aunty Nell provided an update in her response..."Amy's address is 280 Perth-street, Subiaco. She paid me a visit one day last week. I was pleased to see her: she was fairly well. The doctors say she must rest for a very long time yet, and that she take very great care of herself. I think she would be pleased to hear from you if you could find the time to write..." (Daily News, 17 February 1912). 

In May 1913 Tottie Minchin provided an update on Amy as she was back in hospital "P.S. - I saw where some of the nieces were asking which hospital Amy Fentiman is in as she did not go to the hospital after all, as the hospital her doctor wanted her to go into had no vacancies for open-air patients. She had a small operation without going into the hospital, and is I believe, as well now as she usually is. She is never really well and never will be. She has only lately returned from the Eastern States, where she went for the good of her health, but had to return home again, as she was feeling so ill. - T. Minchin (Daily News, 17 May 1913)..." 

Auntie Nell responded to Tottie... "What a splendid letter you write. I feel that you are quite a friend as well as a niece, and should like to meet you and your sister. Thank you, Tottie for telling me about your little nieces and nephews, and also for letting me know about Amy Fentiman. I myself was very anxious to know where she was, and hoped to hear from you. so that I could go to see her. I am pleased to hear that she is no worse. Will you give her my love when you see her and lots for yourself. Lovingly yours, Auntie Nell. "(Daily News, 17 May 1913).

The last mention of Amy in the Children's Pages of the Daily News newspaper was in 1913. Amy was now 18 an adult and too old to be a member of the Sunshine League. The Fentiman family history charts state that in 1916 Amy was living with their mother and sister Gladys and brother Harold at 280 Perth Street Subiaco. Her occupation was described as homemaker. She was not married at this time. The mother Sarah died in 1925 and the family vacated the house in Subiaco.  

The articles and photographs are from Trove the database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  





The Daily News, 28 Dec 1907.

The unveiling of the Sunshine Cot attended by Amy Fentiman...

Apple Pie Competition (1917).

Apple Pie Competition (1917).

During 1917 the Sunday Times ran an apple pie competition. The prize was a case of apples from the Lilydale Orchard near Bridgetown. "Mr. W. C Knight of Lilydale, Greenbushes has kindly offered to present a CASE OF APPLES, railage paid to the lady sending in the BEST RECIPE: APPLE PIE. Address all letters to Recipe. Editor of "The Sunday Times." Closing date April 18" (Sunday Times, 8 April, 1917).

Women from around the state and Subiaco shared their apple pie recipes.  The first prize was won by Mrs. A. Boland, of Western-street, Victoria Park. Mrs. C. E. Hewett, 152 Heytesbury-road, Subiaco and Mrs. Exley, 265 Hamersley-road, Subiaco, a regular contributor to the Sunday Times recipe and household hints competition received honourable mentions and had their recipes published in the newspaper. Their recipes are published below. 

The following description of the Lilydale Orchard was published in 1916 ..."Lilydale Orchard. - A visit to the splendid property of Mr W.C. Knight on the main road to Bridgetown was a revelation in orchardery. The whole place from the packing sheds adjacent to the road to the farthest corner of 50 odd acres showed signs of thorough management. The ground between the trees was clean and well worked, whilst the trees themselves were in first class order. At the time of our representative's visit, Mr Knight and his staff were busy picking and packing the early apples "Irish Peach". They had just finished the early stone fruit and Mr Knight had managed to secure as high 26s per case in Perth for some splendid peaches." (Bunbury Herald, 18 January 1916). 

The articles and photographs are from Trove, the national database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  

Sunday Times, 29 April, 1917.

Apple Pie Competition.

First prize, case of apples, presented by Mr. W. C. Knight. Lilydale, Greenbushes, and won by Mrs. A. Boland, Weston-street, Victoria Park East.

Make a good short-crust with the following:-Two cups self-raising flour, one heaped tablespoon each of lard and butter, one dessertspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt rubbed well together; add a little water to make a light dough. Roll out thin and line a plate cover well with sliced apples, with a little candied lemon peel and sugar added. Cover with paste and bake in a moderate oven 15 to 20 minutes.

HONORABLE MENTION.

Peel and core 2 lb. of Knight's apples, stew gently, add pinch of salt, and a little nutmeg. When done beat to a pulp and let cool. Take two cups of S.R. flour, one cup of good beef dripping, and a little salt. Mix to a nice smooth dough with a little water, roll out to a firm thickness. Line your pie-dish, add apples when cool, cover and cook in a moderate oven for 20 minutes.  Mrs. King, Kirupp.

Take 1lb. flour, ¾ lb. butter, ¼ lb. sugar, two teaspoonfuls cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients together, rub in the butter, and mix with a little more than a tablespoonful of water. Butter a sandwich tin and line with half the pastry, then fill with stewed apples. Put a layer of pastry on top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle top with castor sugar and serve with  whipped cream or custard. - Miss Minnie Kearney, 231 St. George's-terrace, Perth.

Take 1 ½ Cleopatra apples, peel, core and slice. Put in a saucepan and cover with water, add three to six cloves and small cup sugar. Stew from ten to fifteen minutes, then place in a piedish and cover with a crust. Place in a quick oven until golden brown. When cooked sift a little castor sugar over crust. To make crust take ½ lb. self-raising flour, 4 oz. lard or butter, mix thoroughly, add a little water and mix into a paste, then roll out very thinly. Mrs.E. Thomas, Briton-street, Cottesloe.

Peel and core 3 lb. or 4 lb. of good cooking apples, then slice them up. Put them in a stewpan to cook slowly for quarter of an hour, add sugar to taste, and a few cloves added to the apples give them a nice flavor. Add a little water, but not enough to make it sloppy. When cooked take off the fire to cool a little before putting in the pie-dish. Paste: Cream ½ lb. butter, ¼ lb. dripping, a little sugar, 1 egg, 1 lb. of flour, a pinch of salt. Make into a light dough and roll out. Make a double edge round the dish with the crust. Bake in a moderate oven till nicely brown. Mrs. Carpenter, Hammond-street, Cottesloe.

Peel, core and cut finely sufficient apples to fill dish, sweeten and flavor with nutmeg. If apples are very hard it is best to stew them first. Puff Pastry: 8 oz. butter, 10 oz. flour, white of 1 egg, pinch salt. Take flour and salt, rub quarter of the butter in, mix with cold water, and spread quarter more of the butter. Then stand in the coolest place over-night. Next morning spread the rest of the butter, each time brushing with white of an egg which has been beaten to a stiff froth. Roll out pastry about ½ in. thick and put over the apple; crimp edges and place in a brisk oven at first to raise the pastry. - Mrs. C. E. Hewett, 152 Heytesbury-road, Subiaco.

Take and stew enough apples to fill a pie-dish, adding sugar and flavoring to taste, and a little water if necessary. Pastry: Take ½ lb. flour, ¼ lb. butter or dripping, a pinch of salt, half teaspoonful baking powder, water to mix. Mix baking powder and salt with the flour, rub in the dripping or butter lightly with tips of the fingers. Mix to a stiffish dough, roll out, and fold over two or three times. Mode: Fill the pie-dish with fruit, make pastry and spread over top, and decorate your edges with a handle of a spoon or knife. Put into the oven and bake a nice brown. Sprinkle with fine sugar. This may be served with cream or custard. -Mrs. C. Becker, Greenhills, Wagin.

Take as many apples as required for the pie, peel, core and cut into quarters; put into a preserving pan with enough sugar to sweeten, a few cloves, a little cinnamon (if liked) and cook until tender. Make a paste of 4 oz. of self-raising flour, pinch of salt, 2 oz. of lard, and cold water. Rub the lard very finely into the flour with the tips of the fingers, then add the salt and a very little cold water. Mix with a knife, knead the pastry into a ball very lightly, place on a floured board and roll out (once only) lightly until it is the thickness of one-eighth of an inch. Put the apples into pie-dish and cover with the pastry, making a hole in the top of both sides to keep the juice from running out. This makes a very nice apple pie. - Mrs. Devenish, Clifton-street, Bunbury.

Ingredients: 2 lb. apples, ½ lb. sugar, two tablespoonfuls water, 1 lb. self-raising flour, ½ lb. lard, water, paste. Mode: Divide the lard into flour, rub one part into flour, then add cold water to make a light dough; mix with a knife, roll out the paste, and spread with another portion of lard. Sprinkle with flour, roll up, and then roll out twice, each time using another portion of lard. Put away in a cold place for two hours before using. Dripping or butter may be used in the place of lard. Peel and core the apples, cut in slices and stew gently with the sugar and water twenty minutes. Line the piedish with paste. Put in the apples, cover with paste, and bake in a quick oven until nice and brown. Dust with icing sugar before sending to table. - Mrs. Exley, 265 Hamersley-road, Subiaco.

Ingredients: Three cooking apples, 2 oz. sugar, 3 cloves, a little grated lemon rind, 1 tablespoonful water, 4 oz. flaky pastry. Method: Peel, quarter and core the apples and drop into cold water; put into pie-dish, adding sugar, cloves and grated rind in layers; heap up well towards centre and then make pastry; roll it into shape of pie-dish and one inch bigger; cut a strip off all round, then wet dish and lay the strip on cut edge outward; brush with water and put the remainder of pastry on; trim the edges, cutting with a sharp knife; glaze with white of egg on water and sugar. Bake in a hot oven until brown about twenty minutes. When cooked the fruit should steam well. Serve on a plate with a pie-collar round. Sprinkle with icing sugar. - Essie Craig, 117 King-street, East Fremantle.

Western Mail, 29 April 1917.

Sunday Times, 18 June 1911.




Daily News, 27 October 1936.

'Co-operation Of Women For A Better Perth' By Edith Cowan (1916).

'Co-operation Of Women For A Better Perth' By Edith Cowan (1916). 

A wonderful article about the history of women's work in Perth by Edith Cowan. Many of the women and their work are mentioned in previous posts about Subiaco on this blog.  

From Wikipedia about Edith Cowan... "Edith Dircksey Cowan OBE (née Brown; 2 August 1861 – 9 June 1932) was an Australian social reformer who worked for the rights and welfare of women and children. She is best known as the first Australian woman to serve as a member of parliament..." 

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The photograph of Edith Cowan in from the Museum of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Western Women, 1 January 1916.

Co-operation of Women For A Better Perth.

I take it that in asking me to come here today and speak on the subject of "Women's Co-operation for a Better Perth," that you desire me to give you a brief resume of what has been done by women in the way of organising, and assisting in work done for the betterment of this community since its earliest days. 

Women's work in Western Australia was bounded for many years entirely by their own homes, and the perhaps best called "neighbourly" interest taken by them in the homes and affairs of others. However, mainly during the last thirty years our women have learned it is their duty to find time to help in that larger home, known as the community, as well as in the lesser circle of their own families and friends, and they are daily showing their realisation of the truth foreshadowed to them many years ago by one of West Australia's leaders, that best and most lovable of women - Lady Onslow - when she said, "That a mother's duties extend far beyond the boundaries of nursery or parish." 

It is good that we should sometimes look back on the path in order that we may note the steady advance made by the women of this State in so many directions, for instead of resting satisfied with an eternal round of frivolous amusement, and social duties, that filled their spare hours neither pleasurably or profitably, we now find them helping good causes on every side, and assisting to better the conditions of life for all. In addition to this their efforts to ameliorate the horrors of this most awful war show how truly women now perceive that "absence of occupation is not rest, that a mind quite vacant is a mind distressed." 

So long ago as the year 1862, the then Governor's wife (Mrs. Hampton) founded the first benevolent society to help poor women with warm clothing and blankets ; it was known as the Dorcas Society, members paid £l per year, and once a month received a parcel for a deserving woman, containing material for one dress, three yards flannel, six yards of calico, one pair stockings, and every second year one pair blankets. This Society has now dissolved, but there are others following in its footsteps, notably the Subiaco Benevolent Society, and the Women's Church Guilds, which do much of this kind of work. The late Mrs. Antony O'Grady Lefroy was, among her other activities, treasurer of the Dorcas Society for many years. 

The Girls' Friendly Society was begun in 1888 to provide a place where young girls could meet and obtain recreation in the evening. Mrs. Alfred Burt, as its Diocesan Secretary, has given years of time and heartfelt interest to this good work, and Mrs. Stanway Tapp has also been one of its most helpful workers. Thanks to the keen interest and efforts of Lady Barron, the G.F.S. has now opened a lodge of its own in Adelaide Terrace. We have also the "Time and Talent Club" and the "Young Women's Association," doing equally admirable work; this last is in the fifth year of its service, and by means of the luncheon and rest room, under the aegis of Trinity Church, is giving business girls tea for Id. per cup, and a place where they may rest, chat, or read, in the middle of the day. It is indeed good to know that the needs of these young women are being met in this and other ways, and Mrs. Burnett and her helpers are to be congratulated on the fine work achieved despite the opposition of carping critics in the past. 

The "Lady Smith Lodge" was founded by the wife of Sir Gerald Smith in the nineties, and had similar objects in view, but was obliged owing to want of financial support to close its doors. The need for such a home was however shown, and it proved to be the forerunner of St. George's Lodge, the G.F.S. Lodge, and the present efforts to cope with what was then a crying, but unmet need. 

The House of Mercy was inaugurated in November 1891. It's committee has always been composed of women, with a small advisory board of men. The first building soon had to be enlarged, and finally the present House was erected in Lincoln street on the valuable piece of ground given by the Government. The number of girls availing themselves of the privileges of this excellent Home has never been very large, but in a quiet way it has done much good in re-establishing the self-respect of those who have been led astray for the first time, and the results have been more than encouraging. Its upkeep is maintained by laundry work, and subscriptions from the public. 

The W.C.T.U. was the outcome of a visit to this State by Miss Ackerman, the well-known Convention lady lecturer, who possessed the power of attracting people to a cause, which, in 1892, was but little known and not popular in W.A. Mrs. John Ferguson, who was for so long their respected President, said of Perth in those day: "It might have been the scene of one of Mrs. Gaskell's novels; anything new was regarded with suspicion, and a lady who declined wine at a party, and did not offer it to her guests." I can myself vouch for the fact that afternoon tea was an institution unheard of, and wine and cake the only thing offered to callers in my own early married days. It is with amusement that one now looks back on the remarks made about the "unwomanliness" of a woman who dared to speak in public, and yet with their usual want of consistency, both men and women flocked to listen to this capable pleader in the temperance cause. It is interesting to note that Miss Ackerman was the second woman speaker to appear on a platform in this State, Miss Von Finklestein, a Biblical lecturer, having been the first. A good record has been established by this organisation, composed entirely of women who are always to the fore in doing good work. The W.C.T.U. and the Karrakatta Club did much to obtain the franchise here for women, which mainly owing to the efforts of these two bodies, and certain individuals, was granted in the year 1899. 

I must not omit here to mention how much also was done in this direction by the Women's Franchise Council, a separate body composed of women from both organisations, which also did yeoman service for this cause. The Ministering Children's League which is a branch of the same league founded in London by the Countess of Meath, was begun in Perth by Mrs. H. D. Holmes in the year 1891. Its objects are to inculcate the principles of self-sacrifice and unselfishness among children, teaching them to work for others, and its motto is "No day without a deed to crown it." The erection of the M.C.L. Convalescent Home at Cottesloe Beach is the outcome, and evidences .of what can be accomplished the small beginnings, by steady, consistent efforts well directed and sustained. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have given time and money to the work, and to them and those who helped them this community owes a debt of gratitude. 

The Lady Lawley Cottage by the Sea is also another effort made by women to benefit children, filling, as it does a much needed want, as it takes in children- under fourteen which the M.C.L. does not, being mainly for grown up people. 

The Karrakatta Club for Women was founded on November 1st, 1914, by Dr. Emily Brainert Ryder, and an abiding tribute to her memory. She came to this State to lecture on behalf of the "Hindoo Child Wives," and when these lectures drew around her the thinking women of Perth, she, seeing the need of a rallying centre for them, suggested the formation of the Club, and showed the benefits which would accrue were they to band together for mutual improvement and aid. At the first meeting about forty people handed in their names, and a committee consisting of Lady Onslow, Lady Forrest, Mesdames Hensman, O'Grady Lefroy, Rowley, J. Cowan, and the Misses Ferguson, Best and Nisbet were appointed to draw up a constitution, and thus was the body launched which has been for so many years a centre of light and leading in Perth. 

Under the wise guidance of its first President (Lady Onslow) most admirable work wag done, and the community was helped in many ways; notably, in gaining the franchise, in improving the sanitary condition of Perth, an interesting fact also is that the study and promotion of Kindergarten education in our midst was taken up by Club's educational department in 1897, and we have seen the spread of Frobel's theories begun there by Mrs. George Leake and myself bear fruit in the Government schools and in the establishment of our present Free Kindergartens. 

At the time of Queen Victoria's Jubilee a bed for women at the Convalescent Home was collected for, the idea being Miss Best's. The endowment of this free bed is due to the Karrakatta Club, as it is through its efforts that twenty-eight women in each year can benefit by this achievement. The membership of the Club is now close on 150, and the subscription is2s. per annum, with an entrance fee of one guinea. You will be interested to know that our first meetings were held in the Congregational Hall, to whose leaders we have always felt a debt of gratitude for their kindly assistance at a time when it was difficult to make a beginning. The Home of the Good Shepherd (nothing to do with the present R.C. Sisterhood) was opened on December 1, 1896, and was the forerunner of the present Home for Incurables, one of the finest and most beautifully unselfish works ever undertaken by this community.

The Home of the Good 'Shepherd was begun by Miss Dyson, known as Sister Charlotte, who got the idea from an institution known as the "Friedenheim" in Hampstead, London. She began with six beds only, three for women, and three for men. Sister Charlotte was assisted by one nurse, and the Home was maintained largely by herself, though a few seeing her self abnegation, did what they could to assist, and the Anglican Sunday School children supplied the funds for one bed, and a neighbouring parish for another. But the end was that the present Home for Incurables ultimately came into being, and thus those suffering incurably are enabled to pass their remaining days in restful and beautiful surroundings where the end comes in all possible peace and comfort. 

And this is through the work begun by a woman in our midst. The S.P.C.A. of W.A. owes its origin to the ladies who in those days formed the "St. George's Society" afterwards merged in to the Karrakatta Club. Many of them, having witnessed acts of cruelty to animals in different parts of Perth, were roused to the need for some action. On August 2, 1892, a committee of four were elected, consisting of Lady Onslow, Mrs. J. Cowan, Mrs. A. Burt and Miss Wigglesworth, now Mrs. Heyworth Watson. These ladies, with Miss May Moore as secretary, formulated and had printed a set of rules. In the following year Mr. Rowley undertook the treasurership, and both he and Miss May Moore discharged their duties with such zeal and ability as to ensure the success of the Society, Mr. Titus Lander being the first Inspector. The Government helped with a subsidy, and the work was encouraged by all the churches with one exception, the then Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church refusing to aid it in any way. The Society has grown greatly since those early times, and does efficient work throughout the State as far as its funds will allow. Financial support being always needed.

The C.E. Mothers' Union was established many years ago, and has been a quiet but powerful force for good in. W.A. It and the Women's Guilds of the various denominations, have helped in the upliftment of the city by their high standards on moral questions, and their prayerful influence is everywhere felt, and ; accentuated by the monthly meetings of the different branches, which also provide addresses and papers furnished by leading men and women among us. 

The preceding Associations are what one may term the pioneers in co-operation for a better Perth. They have been followed by many other in later years, notably the Children's Protection Society, whose committee, composed of leading men and women, were able to influence many reforms for the betterment of child life, notably the bringing about of the boarding out system, and children's courts under the State Children's Act, and the Free Kindergartens, etc. 

Then we have the Women's Service Guild, which has done good service for all sections of the city and State up to the present. There are also the Nursing Associations, such as the Silver Chain, the Claremont District Nurses' Society, to say nothing of the W.A. Branch of the A.T.N. A, and the West Australian Nurses' Association, established by the late Dr. Haynes.

Women's Leagues are a strong factor in political life now, where once women were ignored, but Liberal, Labor and Country Parties now seek their support and aid, which is freely given. 

We have the Braille Society, with its inimitable work of writing books for the blind, and the Australian Freedom League, in which numbers of women are along with men watching over the interests of the State's children on matters relating to compulsory military service. 

The Girl Guides is a fine movement, which owes its inception to Miss Wells, the Editor of "Western Women." The British Immigration League has been kept going almost entirely by the self-sacrificing effort of Mrs. Juleff, its secretary. 

About four years ago, in order to strengthen their positions, the majority of the women's societies, guided by Lady Edeline Strickland, joined themselves into a National Council of Women, which being affiliated to the International Council of Women, links them with all other such Councils throughout the world, thus adding to their prestige and value as a great moral force, and we may also hope a spiritual one a well. There is hardly anything going on here now in which women do not cooperate and find their aid sought by men for the community's betterment. 

Women are on the University Senate, the Hospital Boards, they sit in the Children's Courts, visit the prisons and the Lunatic Asylum officially, and from having been 30 years ago a negligible quantity find their opinions sought and listened to on almost every question, and they fulfil in an astonishing manner duties that would have been considered quite outside their province and beyond their capacity in those old conservative days. Now, as it is evident the responsibilities of sharing in public life will be thrown more and more on our shoulders, it behoves us one and all to fit ourselves and our children for that time io come when men and women shall meet in all things (whether inside or outside the home) as fellow workers and equals, "Not like to like, but like in difference," for then only will this city and State be governed as the Great Master meant it should be. Surely it is ours to see that "the ideal shall become the real." What grander task can we set before us than to see that we continue to do, as we have in the. past, our work of "Cooperation for a Better Perth."

EDITH D. COWAN.

Charlotte Dyson And The Home Of The Good Shepherd... (1916).

Charlotte Dyson And The Home Of The Good Shepherd... (1916).

Sister Charlotte Dyson was in charge of the Home of the Good Shepherd for the Incurables in Perth, opened in 1896. The Home of the Good Shepherd was later known as the Home of Peace in Subiaco. Charlotte Dyson was an Anglican nun who largely funded the institution herself. She was supported by some fundraising from the community including the Anglican Sunday School children.

An article titled 'Co-operation of Women for a better Perth' published in 1916 about the work being done by women in the Perth community in 1916 and wrote about the Home of the Good Shepherd and Sister Charlotte Dyson... "The Home of the Good Shepherd (nothing to do with the present R.C. Sisterhood) was opened on December 1, 1896, and was the forerunner of the present Home for Incurables, one of the finest and most beautifully unselfish works ever undertaken by this community. 

Home of the Good Shepherd was begun by Miss Dyson, known as Sister Charlotte, who got the idea from an institution known as the "Friedenheim" in Hampstead, London. She began with six beds only, three for women, and three for men. 

Sister Charlotte was assisted by one nurse, and the Home was maintained largely by herself, though a few seeing her self abnegation, did what they could to assist, and the Anglican Sunday School children supplied the funds for one bed, and a neighbouring parish for another. 

But the end was that the present Home for Incurables ultimately came into being, and thus those suffering incurably are enabled to pass their remaining days in restful and beautiful surroundings where the end comes in all possible peace and comfort. And this is through the work begun by a woman in our midst..." (Western Women, 1 January, 1916)

The Royal Western Australian Historical Society webpage provided a photograph of Charlotte Dyson and the following description... "Sister Charlotte Dyson, who kept the Home of the Good Shepherd, at her own expense, for incurables. It afterwards became the Home of Peace. On the 16th December 1898 a public meeting was held in Perth at which it was resolved to inaugurate an institution for the treatment and comfort of incurables..." (see page 41, W A Year Book 1900). 

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The photograph is from the Royal Western Australian Historical Society Collections. No copyright infringement intended. 

Western Mail, 7 February 1903 (no copyright infringement intended)

Sunshine League Concert At The Home Of Peace Subiaco (1908).

Sunshine League Concert At The Home Of Peace Subiaco (1908)

In 1908, the children from the Sunshine League performed a concert at the Home of Peace for the Dying and Incurable in Subiaco. Over 400 children attended. The concert was reported in the Daily News newspaper by Uncle Tom, a journalist and coordinator of the Sunshine League. The Sunshine League, the children, events and the adults who worked at the Daily News newspaper have been discussed in earlier posts on this blog.

The Sunshine League was established by the Daily News newspaper in 1907 and was coordinated by Uncle Tom. Those children who joined the Sunshine League members were known as nieces and nephews were encouraged to spread kindness where ever they could to orphans, the sick and dying and old people in various institutions. They also helped raise money for the Perth Children's Hospital and other causes in Perth. 

In the first year 1908 then annual report stated the Sunshine League held 28 concerts, 2 fancy dress balls, 16 bazaars, 2 afternoon teas and one play, a total of 49 events many of them organised and volunteered by children (and their families) raising hundreds of pounds. The children and their families also made substantial donations of money many of them from Subiaco (Daily News, 30 May, 1908). 

The article is from Trove, the database of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 14 March 1908.

Conducted by UNCLE TOM.

My Dear Nieces and Nephews, - I must say at the outset that I was very pleased with the Sunshine Concert at the Home of Peace on Monday evening. 

At its conclusion I passed around to each of the patients on the verandah, and they all said they had spent a most pleasant evening, and the beaming smile on their faces was evidence in support of their statement. 

I was delighted also to meet so many of my happy and smiling nieces and nephews, and as for the program me, I cannot say more than that I was pleasantly surprised at its splendid quality. 

The older persons present enjoyed It as much as we did, for no one left till the close, although there was ample opportunity had they felt so disposed. For the benefit of those who were not able to attend - (I estimate that about 400 children were present) - I will give you the programme as it took place: -

Overture, Miss Ella R. Weickhardt; song, Miss Dorothy Kelly; recitation, Miss Diana Lazarus; character song, Master Sam Masai (accompanist Mrs. Brown); recitation, Miss Hilda Jones; pianoforte selection, Miss Cissie Troy; rocitatlon, Miss Tessie Murphay; part song, Master Louis and Miss Nellie Harrison; character song, 'Gretchen,' the Mlsses Gracie M. White, N. Marie Burmaister, and Laura A. Porter; recitation, Miss Verona Rodriques; spectacular dialogue, the Misses Birdie Beckwith, Etta Hollis, Gwen Knox, Hattie Rlnger, Hilda Patterson, Gladys Taylor; and Mabel M. Wright; pianoforte selection, Miss Vera Cantor; song, Miss Margaret Parker; recitation, Miss Alice Rlckard; song, Miss Muriel Francis; part song, Misses Violet Frank, Eunice Thomas, Lizzie M'Narmara, Willa M'Donald, Rita Maddaford, and Vera Maddaford; recitation, Miss Janet Rlckard; pianoforte duet, the Misses Eileen O'Mahoney and Kathleen Dempsey; recitation, Miss Mavis M. Harris; song, Miss Katie Breadsell, recitation, Master Victor D. A. Courtney; chorus, Fremantle Girls. 

That, you will all agree with me, was a fine programme, and I heartily thank all who took part in it. There was only one absentee from the programme, and that was Master Reggie Cohen, who was away under the orders of the doctor, who says the dear, little fellow must remain away from school for six months. I asked all my nieces and nephews at the concert to send Reggie a postcard. I also sent him one, and on Wednesday I resolved the following letter of acknowledgment: - 315 Bulwer-street, Perth. 

Dear Uncle Tom, - Thank you very much for your kindness, and that of the dear little 'Sunshlners' who so thoughtfully sent Reggie post cards, wishing his return to health. I am pleased to say that he is getting on now, and the doctor thinks he will soon be about again. But he must go right away for some time. Thanking you again in Reggie's name, - I am, yours gratefully. C. COHEN. 

The many post-cards Reggie received will help to pass away many a day, and as he has been such a splendid little sunshine-maker he deserved any attention we have paid him. I would like those who go Sunshine-making to the Home of Peace to select some cuttings or rooted plants from their own gardens and give them to the matron. I am afraid that some of the plants around the lawn were trodden on accidentally on Monday night, and it would be very nice to replace the damaged ones. I will take some plants with me at the earliest opportunity, and if a number of you do the same, the flower-beds should be fully replenished, and in a few weeks should present a pleasant sight for the patients and staff. 

Our good friend the manager of the Girl's Orphanage, the Dean of Perth (the Very Rev. H. G. D. Latham), who has been appointed to act in the Bishop's place during the latter's absence from Perth in London, wrote to me regretting that he could not accept my invitation to attend the concert on account of a prior engagement. He added a postscript to his letter, which you will all read with interest, as follows: -

"You will be most welcome at the Orphanage .But, for the sake of your many relatives, wait till we are free of measles. Please make arrangements with the matron, and be sure to choose one of the rare occasions when I am free. - Yours sincerely, H. G. D. LATHAM. 

Unfortunately, the measles are still possession of the Orphanage, but the number of patients is note only three or four. In any case, however, Grand Reunion Night cannot take place for, say, six weeks. Next week I will publish the letter I sent to the orphans and their reply. 

Home of Peace, Subiaco c 1902 (No copyright infringement intended).

Mary Harding's Recipes And Household Hints... (1910 - 1931).

Mary Harding's Recipes And Household Hints... (1910 - 1931).

Mrs. M. Harding (nee Livingstone) of 220 Barker Road, Subiaco send in recipes and household hints to the Sunday Times Recipe and Household Hints competition between 1910 and 1931. Miss L. Harding and Miss E. Harding from the same address also sent in entries. The entries won over a hundred prizes and honourable mentions and were published in the newspaper. 

The WA Postal Directories show that an Alexander Livingstone, a contractor was registered at 220 Barker Road, Subiaco. Alexander was one of three brothers and sisters, Mary, Flora and John. After the death of Alexander in 1911, the sons carried on the business as Livingstone and Sons.

Mary Livingstone married a Mr. G. Harding, a builder from Collingwood, Melbourne. It is difficult to know whether Mary Harding and her family lived at the address or just used it as a mailing address for the competition. 

Alexander Livingstone, the son married Minnie. Together they had eight children Mary, Lottie, Minnie, Flors, Alec, Jack, Dave and George. Alexander was also registered at the address. Minnie their mother was registered at the address until her death in 1946.

Mary's recipes and household hints provide a wonderful insight into the type of meals provided and practical household hints. The recipes included traditional meals, desserts, cakes, preserves and jams, drinks, snacks and confectionary. She also provided practical household hints which are still used today.     

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.    

Sunday Times, 14 July 1912.

SECOND.

Second prize is awarded to Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco, for recipe for

WINTER STEW.

Two pounds of best end of neck of lamb, l oz. of dripping, l oz. of flour, 2 lb. new potatoes, 1 pint of cooked peas, a sprig of mint, 2 onions, pint and a half of stock or water. Wipe the meat, cut into neat chops, heat the dripping, fry the chops slightly, then the sliced onions and flour; next add the stock, and stir until it boils. Season it carefully, lay in the meat, and simmer very gently for an hour and a half. At the end of the first hour lay the potatoes and mint on the meat; when the stew is sufficiently cooked, take out the mint, arrange the meat on a dish, put the potatoes round, it, arrange the cooked peas as a border round the edge, and serve very hot.

Sunday Times, 6 July, 1924.

Recipes.

Honorable Mention.

Shepherd's Pie.- Cut the meat in slices, and dip them in a mixture of salt, pepper, and a little powdered herb put a layer of these slices in a deep piedish, then add some minced onion, and thinly sliced potatoes, with a little seasoning, more meat, onion, and cover with a thick crust of smoothly mashed potatoes. Pour over all a little milk, smooth the top with a knife, and afterwards mark the potato crust in small squares with a knife dipped in milk. Heat through in a good oven, and serve when the top is browned. Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco.

Sunday Times, 22 January 1922.

Third Prize

Third Prize is awarded to Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco, for recipe for

PEACH MELBA.

Take season fine fresh peaches and peel them by dipping, each one quickly into boiling water, when the skin will drop off. Cover them with vanilla flavored syrup, and let them steep, for a time on ice or in a cool place. When it is time to serve them, place them on a mound of ice cream and pour over them a raspberry sauce.

The Sunday Times, 27 February 1916.

First Prize 

First prize is awarded to Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco, for recipe for

PASSION-FRUIT CAKE.

Take one dozen passion-fruit, 1/4 lb. butter, 1/2 lb. flour, 1/4 lb. sugar, two eggs, and one teaspoonful of baking powder. Open the passion fruit, put the pulp on a hair sieve with a little sugar, rub it through; beat the butter and sugar to a cream, drop in the eggs, and when well mixed pour in the juice of the passion fruit. Beat the flour and baking powder in with a spoon. Line two sandwich tins with buttered paper, divide the mixture, and pour it in; bake in a moderate oven for about half an hour. When cold spread the following mixture in between the layers; beat the white of one egg to a froth, add 3/4 lb. powdered sugar and the juice of two passion fruits. Spread the jelly on the cakes, and lay one above another. Spread the top of the cake either with whipped cream or white icing.

Sunday Times, 25 September 1910.

Recipes.

Honorable Mention. 

ROCK BUNS. - Rub quarter pound lard into one pound flour, then add quarter pound sugar, two large teaspoonsful baking powder, quarter pound currants, (cleaned), and three eggs, well beaten, with sufficient milk to make a stiff paste. Drop it upon a greased tin in small pieces, and bake in a hot oven.- Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco.

The Sunday Times, 26 October 1924.

Recipes.

Honorable Mention. 

Butter Scotch. Take 1 1/2 lb soft sugar, 1/2 teaspoonful cream of tartar, 1/2 cupful of cold water. Place all the above ingredients into a clean enamelled pan place in a hot place, and let it boil, without stopping or stirring for 10 minutes. Then dip a spoon into cold water, pop it quickly into the pan and back again with mixture on it into the cold water, when if the mixture hardens, it will do: if it does not boil a minute or two longer, then test again. You may add , if liked, a little ginger or vanilla essence, just before pouring out. When nearly cold mark into squares which, when quite cold, break apart. Mrs. M. Harding 220 Barker-road, Subiaco. 

The Sunday Times, 24 January 1926.

Recipes.

Honorable Mention. 

Ginger Beer. - Put 1 handful cruised ginger, 1 eggcupful cream tartar, 2 lb. sugar in a bucket, and half fill with boiling water. When cool, fill the bucket with cold water and add one cup yeast. Let stand overnight, then strain, bottle and tie down. Ready for use in from three days to a week. If two or three crushed eggshells are put in the bottled liquid they will dissolve by the time it is ready for use, and there will be no sediment. - Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco.





The Sunday Times, 6 November 1910.

Recipes.

Honorable Mention.

PICKLED ONIONS.

Skin the onions, fill the jars, and cover with salt and water in the proportion of one tablespoonful of salt to one pint of water. Let them stand three days to draw out the unpleasant odor. Boil together one quart vinegar, quarter pound whole ginger, and quarter pound allspice for five minutes. Draw aside, and let it cool to the warmth of new milk. Pour water, off onions, fill up with vinegar, and cork tightly. The onions will be ready for use in two days, and will keep good for three months.- Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco.

The Sunday Times, 23 July 1911.

THIRD.

Third prize awarded to Mrs. M. Harding; 220 Barker-road, Subiaco, for 

hint on

USES OF SALT.

Salt may be made useful in many directions besides table use. First, as a tooth powder, it will keep the gums hard and the teeth beautifully white; also, if you have a tooth extracted and the bleeding does not stop, rinsing the mouth with salt and water will prove a quick remedy. Mixed with hot water, salt makes a good gargle for a sore throat, and if a little is put with lemon juice stains on stains from ink, peeling potatoes, etc. will be easily removed: When teacups are discolored rub a little salt on the stains before washing them, and tile blemish quickly disappears.

The Sunday Times, 12 November 1912.

Household Hints.

Honorable Mention.

Dispensing with the Plumber.- If the pipe of your kitchen sink becomes clogged, place your hand over the drain, being careful to bold the sides of the hand and tips of the fingers firmly on the sink. Allow water to the depth of one inçh to run into the sink, then raise and lower the palm of the hand until you think the impediment has been removed. After this pour a quart of scalding water and soda down the pipe. This will carry away any waste that remains.- Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road. Subiaco.





The Sunday Times, 27 July, 1913.

Household Hints.

Honorable Mention.

To Cure Sleeplessness.- Often a person who cannot easily go to sleep will find that sleep comes naturally after a very hot bath. One should immediately retire; for the hot bath Is exhausting, thus producing longer and a natural desire to sleep. - Mrs. M. Harding, 220 Barker-road, Subiaco.

Four Golden Wedding Anniversaries And A Funeral In Subiaco...(1920's and 1930's).

Four Golden Wedding Anniversaries And A Funeral In Subiaco... (1920's and 1930's).

While there are many notable men, women and children who lived extraordinary lives from Subiaco that were shared through the newspapers of the early years of the Western Australian colony, considerable extraordinariness can be found in the ordinary lives of people. 

The engagements, marriages, marriage milestones and deaths of men and women are remembered and celebrated via the newspapers and its not until those milestones were reached and reported on is the extraordinariness of those individuals discovered. 

This blog post is about four golden wedding anniversaries and a funeral of some residents from Subiaco during the 1920's and 1930's.  

In July 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hardman, of Olive-street, Subiaco celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Hardman retired from the position of Deputy Postmaster General and was involved in establishing the telegraph in Western Australia. 

In November 1928, Mr and Mrs Daebritz of 334 Perth-street, Subiaco, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The newspaper article stated "Mrs. Daebritz had never had a day's sickness, but Mr. Daebritz's health failed 18 months ago..."

In October 1935, Mrs. and Mr. Hetherington of Salisbury-street, Subiaco celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Hetherington was 75 years old and a tailor by trade and still owned a business in Rokeby-road, Subiaco celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Hetherington was one of the first councillors for Subiaco and held office for six years.  

In May 1937, Mr and Mrs R. Fellows of Coghlan-road, Subiaco, celebrated their golden wedding. They were the parents of Effie the well-known and popular male impersonator who was featured in an earlier blog post. 

In April 1931, Mrs. Edith Emily Wood, of 244 Barker-road, Subiaco died and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. She was an active volunteer in the Subiaco Community.  

The articles and photographs are from Trove, the database of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  

Western Mail, 14 July 1921.

OLD TIME MEMORIES

By Hugh Kalyptus.

The ceremony of celebrating the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hardman, which took place at their home, in Olive-street, Subiaco, a few days ago, added another function to the long list of interesting gatherings of old-time postal officials, Mr. Hardman having retired from the position of Deputy Postmaster General a few years ago. 

Among the antique elements that were displayed at the ceremony were the marriage lines that were signed by Mr. and Mrs. Hardman in Saint Matthew's Church, Guildford, fifty years ago, a few months before that building was razed to the ground by the ravages of the terrible tornado that swept the coastline between Geraldton and Bunbury during the memorable Sunday morning of March 10, 1872. 

During the sixties Mr. Hardman was a contractor for the conveyance of mails between Perth and Bunbury and between the city and the port. Subsequently he was postmaster at York, from which position he ascended the ladder of promotion, step by step, until he became the head of our postal service. 

Mrs Hardman is a member of the old Elsegood family, one of whom, Mr. John Elsegood, constructed a large number of telegraph lines throughout the State, among his undertakings being that of wiring the line between Albany and Eucla during the years 1875 and 1878, and the subsequent erection of the line between York and Southern Cross.





Sunday Times, 11 November 1928.

A SUBIACO GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Daebritz, 334 Perth-street, Subiaco, who celebrated their golden wedding on October 17 last. They came from South Australia 32 years ago, and are both approaching their 79 milestone. They have had seven children, and there are eighteen grandchildren living. Mrs. Daebritz has never had a day's sickness, but Mr. Daebritz's health failed 18 months ago. Mrs. Daebritz's parents also enjoyed long life and celebrated their diamond wedding.





Daily News 8 October 1935.

Subiaco Couple Celebrate Golden Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Hetherington, of Salisbury-street, Subiaco, celebrated their golden wedding yesterday. Mrs. Hetherington was born in a quaint little thatched cottage near Manchester, situated within a mile of the home of Mr. Hetherington's parents. This little cottage, which is reputed to be over two hundred years' old, is still standing, though uninhabited. In 1885 at the Methodist Chapel, Manchester, Mr. and Mrs. Hetherington were married by the Rev. William Taylor, and a year later sailed for Australia in the ship Port Pirie, landing in New South Wales, where they lived for ten years. In 1896 they came to Western Australia, and took up residence in Subiaco, where they have lived ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Hetherington are an extremely active couple. 

Mrs. Hetherington, at the age of 72, still cares for her home without assistance and does all her own cooking. Her husband, who is a tailor by trade, is 75, and still owns a business in Rokeby-road, Subiaco. He carries it on with the aid of his son, who acts as manager. Mr. Hetherington, who was one of the first councillors for Subiaco, and held office for six years, was also on the committee which arranged and signed for the Subiaco tram service. He still plays bowls, and is a member of the Kitchener Park Bowling Club. Last year he was a member of the winning team in the association pennant No. 4 grade competition. Mr. and Mrs. Hetherington have nine children, 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom are living in Western Australia. Most of them are settled in the metropolitan area.





Mirror, 29 May 1937. 

Subiaco Couple's Golden Wedding

Famed Impersonator's Parents To celebrate the golden wedding of their parents, a most enjoyable party was given on Thursday evening, May 20, by the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. Fellows, at their residence, 74 Coghlan-road, Subiaco. All members of the family were present with the exception of their daughter, Effie. the well-known and popular male impersonator, who is at present engaged professionally in England (London), and their eldest son Richard, who was unavoidably absent. 

The supper tables on the decorated veranda looked a picture, adorned with vases of gold flowers and the wedding cake with all gold decorations (gold shoes for the daughters and gold bells for the son held pride of place. At the bride and bridegroom's table hung a large gold bell. Mr. J. Pitsford, an old friend of the family, efficiently carried out the duties of chairman. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows were the recipients of numerous letters and telegrams of congratulations from all parts of the Commonwealth, and other expressions of goodwill from all present, tended to make the occasion a memorable one to the happy parents and family...Midnight brought to a close an evening of great pleasure to all who attended, thanks to those who assisted musically and otherwise in making the evening a success. That Mr. and Mrs. Fellows will enjoy good health, and spend many long years of future happy life together was the expressed wish of all.

West Australian, 28 April 1931.

FUNERALS.

Edith Emily Wood.

The funeral of the late Mrs. Edith Emily Wood, of 244 Barker-road, Subiaco, took place in the Church of England Cemetery, Karrakatta, on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a very large: and representative gathering. The funeral cortege moved from the Y.A.L. Auditorium, Murray-street, at the conclusion of an impressive service conducted by the Rev. F. M. Oliver, assisted by Mr. S. M. Roberts, and music was rendered by the Y.A.L. orchestra. The late Mrs. Wood was a very active and veiling worker in various causes, notably the parents' auxiliary of the Y.A.L. of which she was a vice president, the mother's union of St. Andrew's Church, Subiaco, the Subiaco branch of the Ugly Men's Association, and the Subiaco Boy Scouts, and her lose will be very keenly felt by these organisations....

Thoughts On Mother From The Children Of Perth...(1908).

Thoughts On Mother From The Children Of Perth...(1908).

In 1908, over 100 years ago the children of Perth shared some of their thoughts on mothers for an essay competition run in the Daily News newspaper for the Sunshine League. 

The essays from the children of Subiaco were posted in a blog post titled 'Subiaco Sunshine League Members...An Opinion On 'Mother' (1908).' published on 30 December, 2020. As the children's thoughts are insightful the post was reposted here for this Mother's Day, along with some of the other children from Perth who entered the competition and were published. 

From the blog post 'Subiaco Sunshine League Members...An Opinion On 'Mother' (1908)'. "...In 1908 Uncle Tom, editor of the children's pages at the Daily News newspaper suggested 'Mother' as a topic for children readers of the newspaper to write essays on. The best essays would be awarded prizes according to age groups. 

Several essays were written by children who were Sunshine League members from Subiaco. The children wrote some insightful comments about various aspects of a mother's role through their eyes and based on their experience including that of a carer, nurse, teacher, helper and comforter in times of trouble, advice giver and provider of correct behaviour. Other children shared empathy with children who may not be as lucky as them to have a caring mother and father and were in institutionalised care. 

The last letter was written by Ivy Love in an essay competition in 1910 titled "My Most Valued Possession" who was her mother. The letter was written to Auntie Nell, editor of the children's pages at the time..."

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 18 November 1908.

ESSAYS ON 'MOTHER.'

By Florence 'Beryl Beauchamp, aged 13, 75 Olive-street, Subiaco.

Mother the very sweetest word in the English, language. Just as mother's love surpasses any  other, so does that word contain all that is sweetest and best. There are undutiful children, we know, but how can they be so ungrateful if they ever think of all their mother has to do for them. When they are little, helpless babies, with what endless love and patience she cares for them, and later, when they are running about, although perhaps unsteady on their little feet, after a tumble, no one but mother can "kiss the place-well". 

Then when school time comes, it is mother who is full of sympathy and, help, when sums will not come right, or teacher is cross, when we feel that we do not deserve it. Mother is full of comfort for everything. 

Now that we learn cooking at school, mother is so pleased with all our little experiments at home, and if they do not turn out quite as we expect, mother shows us where the mistake was made, and is full of encouragement to us to try again. How sorry we should be for the poor little ones who have no mother; for what is home without a mother ?

Dear Florence, - You can see a home without a mother any day by just peeping into any orphanage. No matter how kind the staff may be, they cannot fill mother's place. That is why I encourage all my nieces and nephews to visit the orphanages; it brightens up the orphans and teaches the visitors to value their homes and mothers more than ever. Will you help us with the Orphans' Christmas Cheer by sending a present for one of the children. - Uncle Tom.

(By Florence Cottrell, aged 14, Keightley-road, Subiaco)

In a home mother is everything. Everybody goes to if they want anything. Mother is the principal person. If any of get a cut of would of any sort, we run to mother to make it better. We depend on her for most things. A home is very lonely without mother, so we who have her ought to look after and care for her and help her in all we can. 

Mother is always very thankful to us when she is tired and we help. It takes very little to please a mother, and it encourages to help her more. Mother is very fond of flowers and she pleased we are joining in your competitions, and thinks it is very kind and thoughtful of your to take such an interest in us boys and girls. 

Mother always helps and comforts us in out troubles and pains. If we want to go out we ask mother to take us. It is best to take mother's advice, and we are always good. If we are later for school mother says better late than never, children.

Dear Florrie. - you have placed correct estimate on the value of a good mother. Fathers have the passing events of the outside world to relieve the monotony of life, but a mother's world is rather dull, unless the children do all they can to brighten her. The best way to do that is to be gentle and kind. - Uncle Tom. 

Daily News, 19 November 1908.

ESSAYS ON 'MOTHER.

(By Ella Kerr, 'Restcliffe,' 334 Barker-rd., Subiaco.)

Dear Uncle Tom, — Mother is the dearest name on earth. Think of the worries and the trials that she passes through without demur. If any of her children or her husband take sick she how she looks after them. She will watch over them day and night, taking a few moments sleep when it is possible. 

There must be hundreds of poor motherless children. What a life they must lead, and think of the hardships they must go through. Of course this does not refer to all motherless children, for some children, we may say, are often better without mothers. 

I for one, love my mother better than anybody. She gets angry with me at times, no doubt, but I suppose I deserve to be scolded, for I must do some very naughty things, which I do not notice at the time, but after being scolded I generally sit down and say mother is very nasty to have scolded me. But that is all very well if we were not corrected at times we would never know the end of our naughtiness. 

Mother always knows what is best for us; if she did. not we might often be very ill for want of advice on what food we should eat; then also, we might have sweets or play-things by which we should not benefit. So, as the saying ; is, ''Mother's advice is the best" I hope you will like my essay, Uncle Tom, and thanking you for accepting me as your niece. 

Dear Ella.— Your essay is a good one. Mother's advice in the vast majority of instances is the best for children who should learn to obey without a pout of the lips and a shake of the shoulder. Uncle-Tom. 

Daily News, 11 November 1908.

ESSAYS ON 'MOTHER.'

(By James Morrison, aged 11 years.)

All should pay respect to their mother. We can only have one mother and we never know when that 'dear person' will be parted from us. How dull a home is without a mother; in fact, when mother is out everything seems to go wrong. A home is made brighter and happier by the presence of our dear mother. 

When we grow up we may well look back to the present time, and think of the old, but yet beautiful song, 'Dreaming of home, dear old home; Home of my childhood, and mother. Of when I wake 'tis sweet to find I've been dreaming, of home and mother.' 

Without my mother I think I should be lost, for when I am looking for anything and cannot find it mother generally comes to my aid and finds whatever I am in search of. Again, in time of sickness no one is prized so much by the patient as mother. 

It is mother that looks to your wants and soothes your troubles, or, as it is expressed by the poet, 'Who taught my infant lips to pray. And love God's holy will and day, And walk in wisdom's pleasant way. My mother who ran to help me when I fell, and would some pretty story tell, And kiss the place and make it well, my mother. 

Dear James, - You could not have placed too high an estimate on mother, and I have printed your nice essay in the hope that some thoughtless boys and girls who may not value their mothers and are rude to them might profit by reading it. - Uncle Tom.

Daily News, 11 November 1908.

Dorothy F. Brakenreg, Harley-street, Perth.

Dear Uncle Tom, - Mother is the most precious, sweetest, and truest word one could think of. I think every boy and girl loves their mother. When any of the family is sick, mother is the one that nurses them back again to health, using love as well as medicine as a cure. 

Mother shares all her children's joys and sorrows, and is always planning something to bring sunshine into their lives. If it is raining or there is any danger about, mother is always anxious, and makes her children change their wet clothes, as soon as they come home, so that they will not catch cold. 

She is always so proud when any of her children gains any merit, whether at Sunday school, day school, or in open competition. If all children followed the teaching of their mother, what a good world, it would be. Who taught us to say our prayers, to be truthful, and to be kind to all living ttiings Mother. So I think that boys and girls should always remember in their prayers every night, and morning that beautiful word. Mother. - From your loving niece. DOROTHY FLORENCE BRAKENREG.

Dear Dorothy, — You have written a very pretty essay, and I hope all who read it will take heed. I am afraid some children do not do all they can to make mother's burden light and her life happy, because they are thoughtless. - Uncle Tom.

Daily News, 17 September 1910.

PRIZE ESSAY.

'MY MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION.' by Ivy Love 206 Hay-street, Subiaco.

Dear Auntie Nell, — I suppose you will be beginning to think l have quite forgotten you; but I have not had much time, as we have had a lot of homework lately. Can you try more than once for a prize? If so, I would like to try for a prize on 'My' most valued possession.' I will be 11 on September 28. 

My mother is my most valued possession.  I prize her love and kindness to me. I like many others, have known a mother's love, therefore we prize her so much. We have never known what it is to be homeless and destitute or to have a bad and wicked father or mother, like some poor children have, who are worse off even than orphans, who at least have a home, where they are treated well. 

These poor children, who have never known a mother's love, care, and kindness are looked after and loved by noble men and women, who have devoted, their lives to looking after and loving. God forsaken little children. So we who have loving mothers prize them, all the more. We children cannot do this noble work until we are older hut we can at least save our pennies and give them to the numerous homes where these children are living happily. Well, dear Auntie, I think that is all I have to say now. I must now say goodbye, with best love. - I remain, your loving niece IVY LOVE.  

My dear Ivy, - I was pleased to hear from you again, and to learn that you had not forgotten me. I am also glad you tried for a prize on 'My most precious possession' because your, effort has gained a prize. You were a wise girl in choosing mother as your most precious possession. There is no doubt they are the dearest and most precious of all our earthly belongings. I wonder if you will make something for Ailsa Skene's bazaar in aid of the orphans cheer. Have you noticed that we are endeavoring to give the orphans a picnic about Christmas time? Well the proceeds of Ailsa's bazaar are  to be devoted to this outing. Yes, dear, the members are, allowed to compete for prizes as often as they like. Hoping that your prize arrives safely, and that you will write to me soon, Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.